Delta investigating carbon monoxide leak after passengers fell sick

An investigation is continuing into how passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight fell sick with ‘elevated levels’ of carbon monoxide.

A flight from Atlanta to Denver had to be diverted at the weekend to Tulsa due to several passengers falling sick. 

"The flight crew of Delta flight 1817 from Atlanta to Denver elected to divert to Tulsa when a few customers reported feeling ill. The safety and security of our customers is our top priority," an airline statement said.

The Emergency Medical Services Authority in Tulsa said 100 people had been tested after reporting 12 symptoms.

Another person was also taken to hospital for an unrelated ailment.

News reports said the plane, a McDonnell Douglas MD-90, has been taken out of service while the cause of the carbon monoxide leak is still being determined.